What makes Richie Mccaw so good?

Not everyone agree's with Richie McCaw's methods but no one can deny that he makes a huge impact every time he play's and many would say he's the best openside flanker in the world!

He's also been awarded the IRB player of the year three times!

Richie McCaw lifting Web Ellis cup.

So what makes him so god damn talented?

He's smart.

I don't just mean academically smart (head boy at school and qualified pilot) he's smart on the pitch!

He's always seems to be where he's needed, whether that's clearing out a ruck or in support of a player, whatever it maybe, he's there making an impact; this come down to two points:

He understands the game.

This is one feature of him which really make him pip the top spot, in terms of flanking, for me.

Richie McCaw doing the All black's Haka.

He know's where he's needed all the time and understands what going on around him, as well as this he has a great knowledge of the rules which really give's him an advantage at times and it also allow's him to push the rules which not everyone agree's with, some call it cheating, some call it playing the ref but i just call it playing at flanker!

Almost every flanker does it and I personally don't see it as cheating unless its something outright and over the top and Richie just has that special knack for it.

He's very fit. 

This is the other aspect which allows him to be in the right place, making that difference.

I think getting fitter is one of those ways to immediately improve your game and is vital but seems to be one of those things many people miss out, being fitter lets you keep playing at a high level throughout the game while everyone else on the pitch are slowing down, making mistakes etc. it just really makes you stand out.

The master of turning ball over.
The amount of occasions I've seen Richie make a tackle, almost instantaneously get to his feet and get the ball is incredible and even with the new interpretation of letting go of the player before going for it he's adapted and still excels in the art.

He's good at rucking, tackling, running with the ball, lets just say he's good at everything!
He's overall i well rounded player and is always contributing to his team and basically just making life difficult for the opposition.